dismal parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal parallel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comparison that is bleak or unfavorable, often highlighting a negative similarity between two situations or concepts. Example: "The report drew a dismal parallel between the current economic crisis and the Great Depression, emphasizing the dire consequences of inaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Meanwhile, in a dismal parallel to her children's sexual searching, Sharon embarks on an affair with an all but homeless hippie she meets at one of her sessions.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A hopeful moment clashes with the realization that relations between Israel and the Palestine territories are still dismal, even in this parallel universe where a Palestinian astronaut conquers the moon.

Huffington Post

Lack of cellular infrastructure development runs in parallel with a similarly dismal rural logistics network, making it difficult to order and deliver e-commerce goods in the region.

TechCrunch

Britain, the other Anglosphere champion, may also be clobbered by the euro zone's woes.The second worrying parallel with the late 1990s is the dismal outlook for the rich world's two other big economies.

The Economist

Dismal streets, dismal lives.

The New Yorker

A dismal 16.8percentt.

Stanford University

This dismal performance left dismal scientists feeling appropriately dismal.

The Economist

"It's dismal, very dismal".

The New York Times

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway: Two inland water routes approximately paralleling the Atlantic coast between Norfolk, Virginia, and Miami, Florida, for 1,192 miles via both the Albermarle  and Chesapeake Canal and Great Dismal Swamp Canal routes.

Cornell University

DISMAL economies are often dismal for economists.

The Economist

Risk management was dismal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dismal parallel", ensure that both elements being compared share a clear negative attribute, strengthening the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal parallel" if the comparison is only superficially negative. A weak parallel dilutes the intended impact, and potentially, the overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal parallel" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where 'dismal' modifies 'parallel'. It serves to characterize a similarity or analogy as being bleak, negative, or unfavorable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal parallel" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a bleak or unfavorable comparison. Ludwig AI confirms this. While the phrase itself is not extremely common, it is found in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Economist. Its purpose is to emphasize negative similarities, evoking a sense of concern or pessimism. Alternative phrases such as "bleak analogy" or "gloomy comparison" offer similar meanings, but "dismal parallel" specifically highlights the unfavorable nature of the comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak analogy

Focuses more on the comparison being bleak or depressing.

gloomy comparison

Emphasizes the pessimistic nature of the comparison.

depressing similarity

Highlights the disheartening aspect of the resemblance.

unfavorable comparison

Indicates that the comparison is negative or disadvantageous.

pessimistic analogy

Highlights the pessimistic nature of analogy.

grim parallel

This alternative focuses on a grim or severe comparison.

dire comparison

This alternative points to a serious or urgent negative comparison.

negative correlation

This is statistically focused and describes a negative association between variables, not necessarily directly comparable situations.

troubling correspondence

Emphasizes a worrying or disturbing similarity.

worrisome analogy

Implies the analogy is concerning or alarming.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "dismal parallel" in a sentence?

To effectively use "dismal parallel", ensure that the comparison highlights a significantly negative aspect shared by both subjects. The term works best when emphasizing a bleak or unfavorable similarity.

What are some alternatives to using "dismal parallel"?

Alternatives to "dismal parallel" include "bleak analogy", "gloomy comparison", or "unfavorable comparison", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dismal parallel" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically sound, "dismal parallel" is not as frequently used as other similar phrases. Its impact lies in its specific emphasis on a negative comparison.

What is the connotation of using "dismal parallel"?

Using "dismal parallel" carries a strongly negative connotation, highlighting a depressing or unfavorable comparison. It suggests that the similarities between two situations or concepts are particularly bleak.